The number of ‘platonic’ Valentine’s cards sent to friends and family has increased by nearly a third in a year.
Data from card and gift retailer Moonpig has revealed a trend for sending cards and gifts to friends, people we admire, family members, and more – embracing and celebrating a support network, rather than a partner or spouse – on February 14.
There has been a 30 per cent surge in 'platonic love post', with friends receiving nearly one in five (16 per cent) of all orders.
In celebration of this cheerleading movement of ‘mates before dates’, Moonpig is inviting everyone in the UK to send a love note – for free [https://www.moonpig.com/uk/personalised-cards/offers/free-card-offer/] – to ANYONE but their lover using the code LOVEYA, which will be live from 9th – 12th February.
The offer comes after research commissioned by the brand found three in 10 Gen Zs are more likely to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a friend than a romantic partner this year.
The poll of 2,000 adults revealed a quarter (26 per cent) of women aged 18-24 are also more likely to celebrate Galentine’s Day ‘partner-free’ this year.
Demonstrating a national shift towards prioritising friendships, 18 per cent said they’re just as likely to celebrate the 13th, a day to mark female bonds, as the traditional day.
Rachael Halliday, spokesperson for Moonpig, said: “It’s clear that saying 'I love you' is not just for the coupled up.
“Our research has shown that our support network and our mates are today’s real 'love affairs', so we are giving everyone the chance to celebrate those that hold us up, support us, and keep us going all year round this February.”
It’s no surprise women want to celebrate their besties this Valentine’s Day, as 34 per cent have at least one they could call in the middle of the night in an emergency, while just 22 per cent of men can claim that kind of commitment.
Girls also displayed a stronger sense of loyalty, with 25 per cent still keeping in touch with at least one friend from primary school – versus 18 per cent of men.
A tenth of women confirmed they’re most likely to celebrate their oldest friend this Galentine’s Day, while the number one spot was awarded to their ‘partner in crime’ (15 per cent) and eight per cent plan to honour their ‘ride or die’.
The many ways ladies celebrate the platonic loves of their lives throughout the year, not just for Galentine’s Day, include sending regular check-in messages (51 per cent) and never forgetting to celebrate even minor milestones in their lives (30 per cent).
Other love gestures included surprising them with little treats like a coffee or something sweet to brighten their day out of the blue (26 per cent).
This lucky inner circle will, on average, comprise just three close friends, but this is bumped up to four for sociable and more widely connected Gen Zs.
This lift is possibly because younger women have picked up pals further afield while travelling (10 per cent) or at festivals (seven per cent), according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Additionally, this generation have had more means of connection as they’ve been able to socialise at the click of a button throughout their entire lives, with 13 per cent claiming they’ve made friends for life through social media.
This group contrasts with the slightly older generations who have used more traditional routes to create bonds, with their inner circles made up of friends from primary school (23 per cent), secondary school (34 per cent), and past jobs (31 per cent).
Female friendships evolve as they go through various stages of life, from school to university, jobs to parenthood – with 49 per cent agreeing the people close to them change as they do, compared to only 25 per cent who keep the same people by their side throughout everything.
Rachael Halliday from Moonpig added: “Be they your ‘ride or die’, drinking buddy, eyebrow lady, or parenting guru, you can show that non-romantic special someone you care about them this Valentine’s week.
“Whoever it is you rely on most in the world, who makes you smile on your darkest days, who makes you belly laugh like you’re kids again – it’s time to show them how much they mean to you.”
